England team visit recovering Christchurch

THREE days before England should have been opening their Rugby World Cup campaign in Christchurch, Martin Johnson led a red rose delegation on a goodwill visit to the earthquake-torn city.

England were scheduled to play their first two pool matches, against Argentina and Georgia, and a potential quarter-final at the recently-renovated AMI Stadium.

Christchurch’s role as host city survived earthquakes on September 4 and St Stephen’s Day last year but a 6.3-magnitude tremor on February 22 devastated the city.

The disaster claimed 182 lives and caused damage estimated at €17.7bn. City officials expect 1,200 buildings need to be demolished.

The AMI Stadium, formerly known as Lancaster Park, had just been given a €34m facelift but the two main stands have sunk into the ground. The pitch looks like it is covered in molehills.

A decision still has to be made whether the stadium can be repaired but the portents for rugby ever being played there again are not good.

Johnson first visited the stadium for the first Lions Test against the All Blacks in 1993, shortly after being called up onto the tour as a replacement.

“To see Lancaster Park, as I always think of it, in this state is really sad. This is a famous and iconic stadium. We should be here playing,” said Johnson.

“When you see such a severe quake, it is not about rugby. It is tragic. We just go and play somewhere else — for the people here it is home.

“It was a no-brainer for us to come up and show our support.”

The February earthquake hit on a previously undiscovered fault line with 2.2 times the force of gravity.

The city centre remains cordoned off and Christchurch mayor Bob Parker said “just about every house in the city needs to have some work done on it”.

The England manager was also joined on yesterday’s visit by scrum coach Graham Rowntree, captain Lewis Moody, Shontayne Hape, Lee Mears, David Wilson and Alex Corbisiero.

England also visited the maternity unit at Christchurch Hospital and two schools, where they gave the local kids some coaching.

The International Rugby Board has launched a special appeal, to be fronted by New Zealand and Crusaders captain Richie McCaw, to raise funds in support of the rugby community affected by the earthquakes.

Rugby New Zealand 2011 chief executive Martin Snedden said: “This proud rugby city and province has lost so much this year, coupled with the disappointment of not being able to hold World Cup matches, so this appeal is a meaningful way for the global rugby family to come together and do its bit to support those who love the game there.”